Summary:

In honor of national reunification month, in this episode we have a conversation with Judge Colleen McNally about what reunification means for kids and their families. Before retiring, Judge McNally served the people of Arizona for over 16 years in the Maricopa County Superior Court of Arizona. Since retiring, she has devoted her time and efforts to supporting families that have experienced the foster care system and continues to advocate for better systems in Arizona.

Resource Links:

How did Cradle to Crayons adapt the Safe Babies Court Team™ approach in Maricopa County, Arizona?

On the Road to Reunification: Experiencing Foster Care with My Sister by My Side By D'Artagnan Caliman

American Bar Association - Celebrating Reunification Month

Foster Cooperative

Prevent Child Abuse Arizona

 

Foster Arizona 

PO Box 20787 

Mesa, AZ 85277

 

Connect with us!

Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast  IG: @FosteringVoices

www.fosterarizona.org

 

Chapters:

0:00 - Open

0:33 - Intro

1:32 - Who is Judge McNally?

3:39 - We all have Trauma

5:36 - The Courtroom Experience

7:00 - How can the System be Supportive?

8:44 - It's the Simple Things

10:32 - A Drink of Water

10:50 - The Challenge of Severance

12:42 - The Reality of Reunification

14:04 - And Now What?

16:00 - What is your Wish for Change?

18:43 - Reunification Day

20:53 - Kid Initiatives

22:06 - How can the Community Support?

22:35 - ACE Questionnaires

23:55 - Love for a Child vs. Love for an Adult

25:55 - Fear

27:54 - Send an Encouraging Note

29:26 - Reflections on the First Reunification Day

30:59 - Ways for the Community to Connect

33:17 - The Takeaway

34:34 - Get Involved

35:23 - Resources

37:21 - Thank You